Public Safety
Public Safety news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Public SafetyBomb Attack in Colombia: Death Toll Rises to 13, 38 Injured
BOGOTÁ, Colombia — An explosive device killed 13 people traveling on a bus in southwestern Colombia on Saturday in what the country’s army chief described as a 'terrorist act.' The attack also left at least 38 injured amid escalating violence tied to drug trafficking in the region. Octavio Guzmán, governor of the Cauca region, stated on social media platform X that the device was detonated as the bus traveled along the Pan-American Highway near the municipality of Cajibío. Among the injured are five children, according to Carolina Camargo, Cauca’s health secretary, who spoke to Noticias Caracol. General Hugo López, commander of Colombia’s Armed Forces, blamed the attack on a network led by 'Iván Mordisco,' one of Colombia’s most-wanted figures, and the Jaime Martínez faction. Both groups are dissidents of the now-defunct Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) operating in the region. Neither Iván Mordisco nor the Jaime Martínez faction adhere to the 2016 peace accord signed with the Colombian government. President Gustavo Petro condemned the attack on X, calling the perpetrators 'terrorists, fascists, and drug traffickers.' The explosion is the latest in a series of attacks targeting public infrastructure in southwestern Colombia. Over the past two days, at least 26 incidents have been reported, including a shooting at a police station in rural Jamundí and an attack on a Civil Aeronautics radar facility in El Tambo, where authorities intercepted and destroyed three explosive-laden drones on Saturday. No injuries were reported in those cases. On Friday, two vehicles packed with explosives were detonated near military units in Cali and Palmira, causing material damage. The escalating violence has prompted the mobilization of high-ranking officials, including Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez, who was meeting with regional governors and local authorities in Palmira when the deadly explosion occurred. Sánchez vowed to respond 'firmly' to the attacks. Francisca Toro, governor of Valle del Cauca, has urged the national government to provide 'immediate support,' calling for increased security forces, intensified intelligence operations, and 'decisive actions' against crime. Authorities say Cauca and Valle del Cauca are key territories for illegal armed groups vying for control of maritime and river routes leading to the port of Buenaventura, a critical transit point for drug trafficking to Central America and Europe. The government has offered a reward of over $1 million for information leading to the capture of 'Marlon,' identified as the leader of the dissident group operating in the region. Local authorities have also offered $14,000 for information on those responsible for the attacks in Cali and Palmira.
Public SafetyTrump Evacuated After Gunfire During Dinner with Journalists; Suspect in Custody
President Donald Trump, his wife, and other top U.S. leaders were evacuated from the annual White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday night following gunfire at the Hilton Hotel in Washington, DC. Authorities confirmed that a suspect, originally from California, was arrested and taken to a hospital with injuries. Trump held a press conference from the White House after the incident, praising the bravery of a Secret Service agent who was saved by a bulletproof vest during the attack. The dinner, which celebrates journalistic excellence, resumed later in the evening amidst uncertainty and heightened security.
Public SafetyChicago Police Officer Dies After Hospital Shooting; Suspect in Custody
A Chicago police officer passed away on Saturday following a shooting at Swedish Endeavor Hospital that left another officer critically injured. Authorities have apprehended the suspect, according to NBC Chicago and Chicago Alderman Jim Alderman. The suspect, initially detained on suspicion of robbery, reportedly opened fire on officers while being escorted for medical evaluation. One officer, aged 38 with 10 years of service, succumbed to his injuries, while the other, a 57-year-old veteran with 21 years on the force, remains in critical condition. The hospital, located at 5140 N. California Ave. in Ravenswood, was placed on lockdown during the incident but has since reopened. No hospital staff or patients were harmed, and the investigation is ongoing. Police have recovered a firearm and restricted access to nearby areas as they continue their inquiries.
Public SafetySuspect Charged with Murder in Death of Florida Student; Search Continues for Missing Woman
A suspect has been charged in connection with the murder of his roommate, a University of South Florida (USF) student, and the disappearance of another female college student in Tampa. Hisham Abugharbieh, 26, faces charges including premeditated murder with a weapon, illegal handling or transport of a corpse, failure to report a death to the medical examiner or authorities (with intent to conceal), and tampering with physical evidence, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities confirmed Friday the discovery of the body of Zamil Limon, a 27-year-old doctoral student who had been reported missing alongside Nahida Bristy, also 27, who is still unaccounted for and believed to be dead. Details about Limon’s cause of death and the motive remain unknown. Abugharbieh, who has a prior criminal record in Hillsborough County, was arrested on April 24 in Tampa after barricading himself inside a residence following a domestic violence call. He surrendered to a SWAT team after a standoff. Limon’s body was found on the Howard Frankland Bridge during the investigation into the pair’s disappearance. Both students were last seen on April 16 in Tampa, and their disappearance was reported on April 21 after several days of no contact, which their families described as unusual. Authorities are still searching for Bristy and have extended the investigation across Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, including collecting evidence on the Howard Frankland Bridge. The community remains deeply concerned, and officials are urging anyone with information to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
Two years after a judge recommended her murder conviction be tossed, Melissa Lucio still waits for freedom
Every Thursday at 9 a.m. when the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals publishes its orders and opinions online, Melissa Lucio’s family, supporters and lawyers scan the court’s website for the death row inmate’s name. Caught between freedom and a potential execution for the last two years, waiting for every Thursday morning is all Lucio and [...]
Public SafetyTwo adults, juvenile arrested after Brownsville police chase
BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Brownsville Police Department arrested three people in connection with a pursuit linked to an auto theft investigation. The chase occurred at approximately 5 a.m. on Wednesday after police say they saw a vehicle running red lights on Palm Boulevard, which led to a traffic stop. Police said Jose Antonio Reyna, 17, [...]
Public Safety$812 Million Verdict for the Family of a Worker Killed in a Gas Plant Explosion
A Texas jury has awarded $812 million — comprising $203 million in compensatory damages and $609 million in punitive damages — to the wife and two daughters of a worker killed in an explosion at the Pecos Liquids Handling Facility in Pecos, Texas.
City of Palmview warns residents about wire payment email scam
PALMVIEW, Texas (ValleyCentral) — City leaders in Palmview are alerting residents about a scam involving false emails and wire payment requests. The city of Palmview was made aware that the emails impersonate the city using a similar but fake email address to request wire payments from residents for permit application processing. The photos below show what [...]
Public SafetyTeen Suspect Arrested in Louisiana Mall Shooting
Louisiana authorities announced Friday that a 17-year-old has been charged with murder and another suspect is being sought after a shooting at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge left a teenage girl dead and five others injured. Baton Rouge Police Chief TJ Morse stated that the Thursday shooting was not random, citing 'social media disputes and possibly gang-related issues' as motivations. The incident involved two groups who exchanged words before opening fire, injuring innocent bystanders. Markel Lee, 17, surrendered to authorities and faces charges of first-degree murder, five counts of attempted first-degree murder, and illegal use of a weapon. Louisiana law treats 17-year-olds as adults in the criminal justice system. Governor Jeff Landry vowed to combat gang violence and announced a targeted operation to arrest those linked to the shooting. The victim, identified as 17-year-old Martha Odom from Lafayette, was celebrating 'senior skip day' with friends. Two other students from her school, Ascension Episcopal School, were among the injured. The school described Odom as 'a joyful presence whose kindness and contagious enthusiasm brought light to everyone she knew.' The shooting marks the second high-profile case of gun violence in Louisiana this week, following a separate incident in Shreveport where a father killed eight children, seven of whom were his own, and injured two women in a family attack.
Public SafetyAlleged Shooter Indicted on Federal Counts After Posting Videos Online
Texas Border Business U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas HOUSTON – A 36-year-old Michigan man known as Allstar JR, who allegedly opened fire at a Houston restaurant, is now in custody for unlawfully possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Jeremy Christopher Ford made his initial appearance in Detroit, Michigan. He remains in custody pending
Public SafetyDoctor Accused of Removing Wrong Organ Leading to Patient's Death Was Driving Lyft When Arrested
A Florida surgeon accused of causing a patient’s death by removing the liver instead of the spleen during surgery was arrested while driving for Lyft in a dramatic confrontation, as shown in body camera footage obtained by NBC News. The video reveals Walton County Sheriff’s deputies approaching Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky’s Mitsubishi SUV with guns drawn on April 13. Shaknovsky, 44, appeared confused as officers handcuffed him at a busy intersection in Miramar Beach, Florida, while passengers sat in the back seat. The arrest stemmed from a second-degree manslaughter charge related to the death of 70-year-old William Bryan during a laparoscopic surgery on August 21, 2024. Shaknovsky’s medical license was suspended shortly after the incident, and he faces additional lawsuits for alleged medical negligence. If convicted, he could face up to 15 years in prison. Lyft has not commented on the matter.
Sharyland Water Supply Corporation end boil water notice
ALTON, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Sharyland Water Supply Corporation ended its boil water notice on Friday. The public water system issued the notice on Wednesday after a main line was damaged during repairs, posing a risk of contamination in the water. On Thursday, Sharyland WSC said it was waiting on test results to confirm if [...]
'Wonderful update': 2-year-old boy recovering after near-drowning at swimming pool, police say
EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Edinburg police provided an update on a near-drowning incident that happened at a swimming pool last month. On March 24, officers responded to a call just after 12 p.m. and found a 2-year-old child unresponsive after being pulled out of a swimming pool. He was immediately taken to a local hospital [...]
Public SafetyUPDATE: Rodriguez Surrenders to McAllen Police
McAllen Police Officers are asking the public’s assistance in locating Carlos Agusta Rodriguez.
Public SafetyTexas Identifies Deficiencies at Camp Mystic That Could Delay Summer Opening
The Texas Department of Health and Human Services has sent a letter to Camp Mystic outlining several areas that require attention before the camp can open for the summer season in 2026. According to the document, while the camp meets some criteria, multiple areas fall short of full compliance. One major concern is the absence of official FEMA flood zone maps, which are necessary to determine whether the camp’s facilities and cabins are located within a floodplain. The maps must also clearly define the camp’s property boundaries and the cabins’ proximity to risk-prone areas. Other deficiencies include inadequate communication with parents regarding flood zones, the lack of an evacuation plan for flash flood alerts, and the absence of protocols for handling severe injuries or fatalities. Authorities clarified that the review was based solely on submitted documentation and does not assess the camp’s actual implementation or operational capacity. Camp Mystic has 45 days to address the issues and resubmit its plans to the state health department. The camp’s reopening plans have sparked outrage among families of the victims of the historic July 4th floods, which claimed the lives of 25 campers, two teenage counselors, and co-owner Dick Eastland. In response, Camp Mystic stated it is carefully reviewing the notification from the Texas Department of Health Services and is working collaboratively with the department. “Our priority remains the safety and well-being of our campers, and we look forward to continuing Camp Mystic’s nearly century-long mission and ministry of providing girls with a Christian camp experience that fosters physical, mental, and spiritual growth,” the camp said.
Public SafetyBrownsville Woman Arrested After Impersonating Federal Agent in Dual Fraud Schemes
A 29-year-old Brownsville resident is now in federal custody for impersonating a federal agent and wire fraud.
Public SafetyTRAFFIC ALERT: Bales Rd. Street Closure, April 23rd-May 5th
Texas Border Business McALLEN, Texas – Bales Road will be closed to thru traffic between S. 10th St. and S. 2nd St. from April 23 through May 15 as part of the S. 2nd Street at Byron Nelson Drainage Improvements project, which includes installation of new drainage infrastructure to enhance roadway conditions and improve stormwater management. The post TRAFFIC ALERT: Bales Rd. Street Closure, April 23rd-May 5th appeared first on Texas Border Business.